It won't surprise anyone that I think that books make the best gifts, not just because of the great stories, information, or art they contain, but because when you give a book as a present you're also giving the gift of time. Whether it's time cuddled up with a loved one sharing a story or … Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: 10 Books That Make Great Gifts
Like so many other festivals and event series, the Telling Tales Festival has gone virtual this year. The program has been parceled into 13 online episodes, available on-demand once they've premiered. Each episode features a variety of the kind of quality, Canadian programming one expects from Telling Tales, including author talks, writing workshops, musical performances … Continue reading Telling Tales Storytelling Picnic Video is Now Online!
With the season of gift giving just around the corner, this segment's list is based on popular activities or hobbies kids might have that might not at first glance have anything to do with books. Whether the kids in your life like lego, hockey, drawing, or video games, here are some books that will be … Continue reading CTV Your Morning Holiday Picks
At this time of year, kids are settling into new routines, battling back to school anxiety, and juggling homework, activities, and so much more. Reading can provide a much-needed moment of zen, a time to wind down and escape. Check out the video here, or read on to find out more: Picture Books, Ages 3-7 … Continue reading CTV Your Morning Kids’ Book Picks: Sept 13, 2019
What's in the bag? Do you know any young pet detectives who could help me solve a magical mystery? I've been gathering props and breaking out the vocal exercises all in preparation for events and storytimes across Ontario for IF I HAD A GRYPHON. Come join me (and maybe a magical creature or two) on … Continue reading IF I HAD A GRYPHON: EVENTS!
We are a month away from the release of my first picture book, If I Had a Gryphon (Tundra Books, February 9/16). In this primer on magical pet care, Sam deliberates the pros and cons of raising a series of fantastic beasts, including unicorns, gryphons, krakens, hippogriffs and many more! Here are what people are saying … Continue reading Giveaway: If I Had a Gryphon
Every time I start a year in review list I am overwhelmed by the number of amazing books out there. I always intend to pick one or two books per category but it is much, much too difficult. What follows is a mere sliver of the fabulous books I read and loved this year, which … Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2015
I picked up the charming The Story of Diva and Flea from Book Culture while acting out my Kathleen Kelly fantasies in New York. It had been on my list for awhile (because Mo Willems) but with Paris so front-of-mind it felt particularly poignant. At its heart, this story is about making new friends, and how those … Continue reading Middle Grade Monday: The Story of Diva and Flea Review
Vikki VanSickle 